Spurs mock draft finds potential missing link to challenge OKC

The Spurs have needed more shooting on their roster for years now, and that's not changed. To be fair to them, though, the roster had more than a few holes in it when the rebuild began. That's kind of the nature of rebuilding. Now that they've shored up virtually every other need imaginable, FanSided's new mock draft sees them addressing it by adding UConn's sharpshooter, Braylon Mullins.

FanSided has Spurs selecting Mullins at 14

Mullins would be the second prospect taken from the Dan Hurley Huskies program. Stephon Castle was the first, and he's been pretty darn good if you ask me. I know the Spurs have taken a bunch of guards lately, but this is the best option based strictly on how the rest of FanSided's draft was turning out.

I'm partial to Michigan's versatile forward Yaxel Lendeborg, but he's not available when San Antonio would be on the clock in this mock. However, Mullins would be a fantastic get to bolster the spacing in Mitch Johnson's rotation—something we know this team needs now more than ever.

The shooting hasn't held the Silver and Black thus far, as evidenced by their 44-17 record and firm grip on the second seed in the Western Conference. That weakness will become more of an issue in the postseason if the guys can't catch fire at the right time. Braylon shoots 38% from deep, and he's the kind of movement shooter the Spurs need to take their offense to another level.

Braylon Mullins would fit perfectly on the Spurs

Think JJ Redick or Kyle Korver; only Mullins is a much better defender. This kid is only about 196 pounds, but he's tough on the ball and fights to keep ahold of his assignment. He's no pushover, and his active hands lead to live ball turnovers a young, athletic team like San Antonio could take advantage of.

Besides, it's not like he'll be that thin forever, and when the team's superstar is possibly the greatest defender ever, there's some wiggle room in other spots.

Mullins is the kind of shooter who will drain six threes on your defense if you're not careful. He can heat up in a hurry, but he does more than hang around on the outside. The kid can attack closeouts, getting in the paint to create shots with pump fakes and great timing.

He's not a flashy passer, but he's a capable one and, most importantly for a team with Wemby, willing to throw the lob and entry pass. The freshman Husky has a nice well-rounded game with strengths in the right areas. The Spurs would do well to add him to their bench.

The starting lineup is spoken for. That's fine because they're a terrific unit, and another year together will only make them stronger. Harrison Barnes has lost his starting spot and is on the last year of his deal. Letting him walk will clear $19 million off the books right as De'Aaron Fox's extension is set to kick in. He'll be making $49 million in the 2026-27 season.

That'll open up more minutes for Carter Bryant, and inserting Braylon gives them a 10-man rotation to use for most of the regular season, similar to how they've operated this year for CB. At 20 years old, he'd get to grow on a strong playoff contender without a ton of pressure on him. It almost makes too much sense.